Cape Coral man's murder-suicide plans thwarted

A Cape Coral woman barely made it out alive after her husband planned a murder-suicide.

Cape Coral SWAT and police officers swarmed Surfside Boulevard Wednesday evening and were able to intervene at the last second.

NBC2 was on scene as officers arrested Juan A. Fernandez.

Police found guns, ammunition and a five-page suicide letter inside his car.

Fernandez is currently locked up in Lee County Jail on $75,000 bond.

Neighbors saw the entire scene play out Wednesday around 5 p.m.

"I noticed all of these police cars. There was unmarked cars and all sort of craziness down there! That's absolutely amazing. I mean it's scary to think of that in your own neighborhood," said John Vicory.

Fernandez’s wife told officers Wednesday that Fernandez had two loaded guns with him when he forced her into their car in Naples.

The couple drove back to Cape Coral, and the wife says Fernandez was threatening to kill her and then kill himself during the entire ride.

"There's a bond between a husband and wife, and that's something that's hard to understand, how it could go that far,” said neighbor Doug Faraldi.

The victim dialed a friend during the car ride, and they heard Fernandez threatening her.

When he got home, police officers were there with their guns drawn.

"Sure glad the police intercepted it, and the lady didn't get hurt. I mean I feel bad for her, that had to have been a harrowing experience, my gosh!" Vicory said.

Inside the couple's car, officers found ammunition, the two firearms and a suicide note from Fernandez detailing his plan.

"Seems like pre-meditated, you know, murder-suicide. I mean the guy needs help obviously," Vicory said.